Scope and Contents of the Materials

The Phi Beta Kappa charter (1971; 1.75 linear feet) documents the establishment of a chapter at Purdue University in 1971. The chapter was designated the Zeta of Indiana Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. The charter itself is 14 x 19 inches, with the frame, it measures 16 x 21 inches.

Biographical Note

Five students at the College of William and Mary founded Phi Beta Kappa in 1776, during the American Revolution. For over two and a quarter centuries, the Society has embraced the principles of freedom of inquiry and liberty of thought and expression. Laptops have replaced quill pens, but these ideas, symbolized on Phi Beta Kappa's distinctive gold key, still lay the foundations of personal freedom, scientific inquiry, liberty of conscience and creative endeavor.

Phi Beta Kappa celebrates and advocates excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Its campus chapters invite for induction the most outstanding arts and sciences students at America's leading colleges and universities. The Society sponsors activities to advance these studies - the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences - in higher education and in society at large.

Only about 10 percent of the nation's institutions of higher learning have Phi Beta Kappa chapters. Only about 10 percent of the arts and sciences graduates of these distinguished institutions are selected for Phi Beta Kappa membership. The ideal Phi Beta Kappan has demonstrated intellectual integrity, tolerance for other views, and a broad range of academic interests. Each year, about one college senior in a hundred, nationwide, is invited to join Phi Beta Kappa. Membership in Phi Beta Kappa shows commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, and to freedom of inquiry and expression and it provides a competitive edge in the marketplace. Potential employers regularly contact the national office of Phi Beta Kappa to confirm the membership of job seekers who have listed Phi Beta Kappa among their credentials.

PhiBK are the Greek initials of the motto Love of learning is the guide of life.

The Purdue University chapter was established February 23, 1971. It was designated the Zeta of Indiana Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. The charter was signed by Rosemary Park, president and Carl Billman, secretary.